Dear Catskill Apple/Cider Enthusiast,

It was just about four years ago that I started working with Catskill apples and cider makers as mostly consultant, but out of a huge intrigue about what lay in 'them thar hills'. Looking back, I realize I had no idea what this amazing region held in store. I knew it well already for its amazing wilderness, rivers, and vistas. But apples, who knew?! What I came to quickly learn is that the Catskill Mountains are truly a unique pomological resource in the world, one akin - I believe - to Kazakhstan’s own apple forests. Kazakhstan - as you are likely aware - is where apples originated and remain in largely a ‘wild’ state. New York’s ‘Forever Wild’ decree for the Catskill Park and a subsequent lack of commercial development has ensured that apples planted over a century ago have not only survived, but been allowed to reproduce relatively unfettered. This untouched state has resulted in apples throughout the region that have various phenological and genetic characteristics with potential not just for making great terroir driven cider, but also advancing holistic orchard management by discovering apples with locally-evolved disease and insect immunities that could benefit an entire indutstry. These apples can be foraged, propagated and planted into orchards, used in breeding programs, and as the thread in creating a regional Catskill apple identity.
 
Over the past few months, Dan Pucci and I discussed how to build on this uniqueness and subsequently set about developing a working group of Catskill cider makers and apple growers. 
 
On April 29 in Andes, NY, we will hold what is hopefully the first of many gatherings of growers, cidermakers, and fruit geeks interested in exploring the Catskills through its apples and cider. We hope to bring interested and excited people together from hither and yon to meet, discuss the history and future of Catskill apples and cider, start dialogues and learn from each other. This first meeting will be to simply explore the possibilities and see how we should best proceed.

Apart from just setting the table, we will also open the door to some larger, longer-term opportunities, such as:

• Develop an up to date history and Catskill orchard database
• Map and catalog the unique pomological resources found throughout Catskills.
• Characterize the insect and disease resistances, along with physiological capabilities, of apples identified with specific attributes.
• Develop a ‘wild’ orchard management approach that grows the interest in wild/feral apples and associated products.
• Develop a regional apple identity.

The first meeting details - hope to see you there.